Pokémon Go Ultra League team recommendations

Building a formidable Pokémon Go Ultra League team is essential for enhancing your Go Battle League experience. The Ultra League offers a competitive environment where trainers can test their skills with Pokémon under a CP cap of 2500. This league is known for its complexity, as it features a wider selection of Pokémon compared to the Great League, while still requiring strategic planning akin to the Master League.

A key aspect of succeeding in the Ultra League is understanding the importance of individual Pokémon’s IVs (Individual Values). While the Master League allows for a more open approach, in the Ultra League, trainers must carefully consider their Pokémon’s stats and movesets to optimize their chances of victory. Recent updates have significantly altered the meta, making it crucial to stay informed about which Pokémon are currently strong contenders.

This guide provides essential recommendations for forming a competitive Ultra League team based on the current meta, highlighting effective strategies and key Pokémon to consider.

Understanding the Ultra League Team Composition

Forming a team for the Ultra League is less resource-intensive compared to the Master League, but it does present its own challenges. While the CP limit is still 2500, trainers do not need to max out their Pokémon to compete effectively, which helps conserve Stardust and Candy. However, the introduction of XL Pokémon has shifted the dynamics of the league, requiring players to invest more in certain Pokémon to remain competitive.

Candy XL becomes available to trainers who reach Level 30, but to utilize it, they must reach Level 40. As a result, trainers need to weigh the benefits of investing in high-CP Pokémon against building a team with accessible options that perform well in the current environment.

With the higher CP limit, expect to encounter more Legendary Pokémon, so it’s beneficial to have a collection of them from previous raids and research tasks. Fortunately, there are still numerous readily available Pokémon that can serve as effective alternatives while keeping costs manageable.

Recommended Pokémon for Ultra League Teams

When selecting Pokémon for your Ultra League team, it’s crucial to have a balanced lineup that covers various types and weaknesses. Here are some of the top recommendations based on their performance in the current meta:

Clefable

Type: Fairy
Perfect IVs: 0/15/13
Recommended moves: Fairy Wind (Fast), Swift (Charged), Moonblast (Charged)
Weaknesses: Poison and Steel

Clefable is renowned for its tankiness and ability to apply significant shield pressure. Its fast-charging move, Fairy Wind, combined with the neutral damage of Swift, allows it to capitalize on opponents’ shields effectively.

Shadow Machamp

Type: Fighting
Perfect IVs: 0/15/14
Recommended moves: Karate Chop (Legacy Fast), Cross Chop (Charged), Stone Edge (Legacy Charged)
Weaknesses: Fairy, Flying, and Psychic

Shadow Machamp is a powerful choice in the Ultra League, leveraging its speed to quickly deplete opponents’ shields with Cross Chop. Its formidable attack makes it a strong contender, although its fragility can be a drawback against certain matchups.

Shadow Feraligatr

Type: Water
Perfect IVs: 1/15/14
Recommended moves: Shadow Claw (Fast), Hydro Cannon (Legacy Charged), Ice Beam (Charged)
Weaknesses: Electric and Grass

Feraligatr stands out in the Ultra League for its versatility and strong move coverage. Its ability to pressure opponents with Hydro Cannon makes it a top-tier option, especially in the shadow variant.

Swampert

Type: Water / Ground
Perfect IVs: 0/14/13
Recommended moves: Mud Shot (Fast), Hydro Cannon (Legacy exclusive), Earthquake (Charged)
Weaknesses: Grass

Swampert has long been a staple in the Ultra League due to its powerful moves and strategic advantages against various meta Pokémon. Hydro Cannon is essential for its success, and it remains accessible to trainers who participated in Community Days.

Walrein

Type: Ice / Water
Perfect IVs: 0/15/15
Recommended moves: Powder Snow (Legacy Fast), Icicle Spear (Legacy Charged), Earthquake (Charged)
Weaknesses: Electric, Fighting, Grass, Rock

Walrein is a versatile Pokémon that can effectively counter many threats in the Ultra League, although recent nerfs have affected its standing. Its legacy moves still allow it to perform well against key opponents.

Registeel

Type: Steel
Perfect IVs: 1/10/15
Recommended moves: Lock On (Fast), Focus Blast (Charged), Flash Cannon (Legacy Charged)
Weaknesses: Fighting, Ground, Fire

Registeel remains a reliable choice in the Ultra League due to its high bulk and minimal vulnerabilities. While it requires a significant investment, its ability to withstand hits and deliver powerful counterattacks makes it a valuable asset.

Lickilicky

Type: Normal
Perfect IVs: 0/14/15
Recommended moves: Rollout (Fast), Body Slam (Legacy Charged), Shadow Ball (Charged)
Weaknesses: Fighting

Lickilicky serves as a solid Normal-type tank, with only a single weakness. Its fast move and shield-baiting strategy make it a formidable opponent in the Ultra League.

Giratina (Altered)

Type: Ghost / Dragon
Perfect IVs: 1/12/15
Recommended moves: Shadow Claw (Fast), Dragon Claw (Charged), Shadow Sneak (Charged)
Weaknesses: Dark, Dragon, Ghost, Ice, Fairy

Giratina Altered has consistently been a top-tier choice due to its strong stats and versatile moveset. It can secure wins against many meta Pokémon, although trainers should be mindful of its weaknesses.

Cresselia

Type: Psychic
Perfect IVs: 1/15/13
Recommended moves: Psycho Cut (Fast), Grass Knot (Legacy Charged), Moonblast (Charged)
Weaknesses: Bug, Dark, Ghost

Cresselia excels in the Ultra League thanks to its impressive bulk and fast-charging moves. Its ability to counter specific threats makes it a strategic choice for many trainers.

Cobalion

Type: Steel / Fighting
Perfect IVs: 1/15/12
Recommended moves: Double Kick (Fast), Sacred Sword (Legacy Charged), Stone Edge (Charged)
Weaknesses: Fighting, Fire, Ground

Cobalion’s new Fast move, Double Kick, has elevated its status in the Ultra League. It offers strong defensive capabilities while being able to pressure opponents effectively.

Talonflame

Type: Fire / Flying
Perfect IVs: 15/15/15
Recommended moves: Incinerate (Legacy Fast), Brave Bird (Charged), Flame Charge (Charged)
Weaknesses: Rock, Electric, Water

Talonflame stands as one of the best Fire-types in the Ultra League due to its strong Fast move, Incinerate. It can be a game-changer if built with the right IVs and Candy XL, but trainers must be cautious of its weaknesses.

Tapu Fini

Type: Water / Fairy
Perfect IVs: 1/13/15
Recommended moves: Water Gun (Fast), Surf (Charged), Nature’s Madness (Legacy Charged)
Weaknesses: Electric, Grass, Poison

Tapu Fini is a powerful addition to the Ultra League, providing excellent bulk and coverage. While it may be challenging to build, its impact on the battlefield is significant.

Best of luck as you prepare your Ultra League team and climb the ranks!